Children are among four people shot dead in a horrific attack during a birthday party.
The shooting broke out at a banquet hall around 6pm on Saturday night in Stockton, California.
‘Tragedy of this nature is unthinkable and it absolutely breaks our hearts to have loss of life and to have loss of life to children,’ San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said.
Emotional footage from the scene showed groups of people hugging each other as police swarmed to the area.
San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Heather Brent called the attack ‘unfathomable’ and said: ‘Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident.’
An urgent manhunt has been launched to find the suspect, who is on the run.
Brent added: ‘Our number one priority is identifying a suspect.
‘This is a very active and ongoing investigation, information remains very limited at this time.’
At least ten people have been injured. Brent said victims have been transported to hospitals in the area.
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi addressed press at the scene. In a statement on social media she said: ‘Our first responders acted quickly, securing multiple scenes and providing immediate medical aid. Their professionalism reflects the very best of our city.